Philippines Urges China to Remove New Structure in South China Sea

The Philippines urged China to dismantle a new structure it has built on Scarborough Shoal (Huangyan Island) in the South China Sea, stating that the move violates obligations under the regional declaration of conduct.

According to Reuters, Rogelio Villanueva, spokesperson for maritime affairs at the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, said on Monday that the structure was built without Manila's consent, thereby infringing on Philippine sovereignty.

China's Foreign Ministry reiterated on Sunday that China has indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Island and its adjacent waters, and that any activities China carries out on the island, including scientific research, are the legitimate rights of a sovereign state.